@article {2479, title = {A Review: Searsia genus and Its Potential Anti-Cancer Properties}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {117-120}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {117}, abstract = {

The Searsia genus, belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, comprises small trees and evergreen shrubs primarily found in Southern Africa, with some species extending to East Africa and the Mediterranean. While these species are well-known for their ecological roles in stabilizing soils and providing habitat for wildlife, they also possess significant medicinal value, particularly in traditional African medicine. Searsia plants are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This has drawn scientific interest, especially regarding their potential in cancer treatment. Notably, Searsia chirindensis and other species have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, attributed to compounds like gallic acid and other polyphenolics. This review delves into the phytochemical profiles of selected Searsia species, exploring their medicinal properties with a particular focus on their anticancer activities. The anti-inflammatory properties of these plants, coupled with their antioxidant activities, suggest a promising role in cancer prevention and treatment, although further research is necessary to confirm these benefits in clinical settings.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Phytochemistry, Searsia genus}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.16}, author = {Dijeng Euginiah Rampana and Pakiso Moses Makhoahle} } @article {2115, title = {Antioxidant Activities, Total Polyphenol Profile and Anticancer Activity, of Leaf, Bulb and Root Extracts of Tulbaghia violacea from Bloemfontein}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {October 2023}, pages = {761-767}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {761}, abstract = {

In this study, the effects of the home remedy herb Tulbaghia violacea on antioxidants, total polyphenol activity, and cancer were investigated. Using methanol/dichloromethane and aqueous solvents, the extracts were produced. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl assay, and their phenol content by the gallic acid method. The extracts were found to be inactive or weak against the HeLa (cervix), human cancer cell lines TK-10 (renal), and PC3 (prostate). It is suggested that these three human cell lines be tested against extracts of water and methanol/ dichloromethane at higher concentrations. The plant{\textquoteright}s leaf extract would also be the best substance to test against the human cell lines TK-10, PC-3, and HeLa. The IC50 values for two to three cell lines show that T. violacea plant extracts (\>100 g/ml) have no effect on cells. T. violacea extract has greater antioxidant activity than the control. A thorough phenolic analysis showed that water leaf extract had the highest quantity of phenolics whereas bulb methanol/dichloromethane extract had the lowest. Both the methanol/dichloromethane and the aqueous extracts have the same characteristics for antioxidant activity. In order to enhance food{\textquoteright}s nutritional content and quality while also supporting excellent health, it has been found that phenolic compounds alter the color, flavor, and other sensory characteristics of the meal. Additionally, they help plants defend themselves against harm from ROS, molecular damage, microbial invasion, insects, and herbivores.

}, keywords = {Anticancer activity, Antioxidants, Medicinal plants, Polyphenol, Tulbaghia violaceae}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.149}, author = {Pakiso Moses Makhoahle and Dijeng Euginiah Rampana} }